Why all Christians should do this

As most Christians know, this is the period where a lot of churches call for fasts, urging their members to usher in the new year with this spiritual practice.

Some go through with it, others don’t. Pulse Religion is here to show you why this is so important for our spiritual lives.

What the Bible says about fasting

The Bible is filled with so many verses about people who fasted, why they did it and what happened afterward.

While it does not command Christians to fast, the Bible does present fasting as something that is beneficial.

In Acts, we see believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23).

The following verses also highlight why we should want to fast;

John 4:34 says: “Father, as my body craves food, I crave Your presence. My food is to do Your will.”

Job 23:12 adds: “I have treasured the words of [Your] mouth more than my daily bread.”

The Psalmist writes, “Like the deer that pants after water, my soul longs for You.” These three scriptures show us that fasting reignites our desire for God.

Turning from our physical food increases our sensitivity to God’s voice and leaves us with a level of satisfaction that can only come from Him.

This is why Christ said, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about….My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.”

ALSO READ: Pastor Adeboye’s church is fasting for 80 whole days in 2018

Fasting for Beginners

For a first-timer, fasting can appear daunting. However, it does not have to be scary if you follow these tips.

1. Start with small goals — Don't aim for 40 days and nights, be reasonable with the number of days.

2. Find a replacement — While fasting, it is important that we focus on God. So, figure out what you will during your usual eating period. You can have a prayer strategy, read the Bible, whatever works for you.

3. Figure out what kind of fasting works for you — It does not have to be food. You can abstain from drinking, social media, complaining, gossiping, whatever you are willing to sacrifice to be a better Christian.

4. Remember to keep it between you and God like Jesus stresses in Matt. 6:16–18. It reads: “‘When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.’”

Meanwhile, Zambia is embarking on a week of prayer and fasting against cholera.

According to the minister of Religion and National Guidance, “the occasion must be taken seriously and be observed by everyone. We are standing on 2nd Chronicles 7: 14. Daniel 9:3–23 and Isaiah 1:19.”

The fasting period began on Monday, January 15th. It will end on Monday, January 22, 2018.